Author's Note: Sorry it took so long! Enjoy, and keep looking for the next Chapter.


Chapter 5: To Hunt a Beast


Around six o'clock, Vector came down. He stared as Ceaira and I. She was sitting on a different couch then I was, though. "You two didn't sleep, did you?" He asked. I shook my head. Vector sighed. "Well, there isn't going to be any naps, Knuckles, so I hope you can fight if we find this creature."

"Vector, I wouldn't dream of sleeping with that killer anywhere near me," I said bitterly.

"I hope you are right." He turned his attention to Ceaira. "I'm sorry Knucklehead kept you up all night, he has the tendency to do that."

Ceaira smiled. "No problem,. . ."

"Vector."

"No problem, Vector," She said. I shook my head with a smile.

Charmy burst out of his locker. "VECTOR! I'm hungry!"

Vector sighed. "Charmy, go get s cereal bar. I'm not cooking this morning. And get Espio!"

Charmy shied away from that suggestion. He obviously hadn't forgotten Espio's yelling spree last night. He quickly flew upstairs. There was quite a commotion as Charmy began yelling at the chamaeleon. A lamp came flying down from upstairs. Vector cursed. "ESPIO! Get down here and clean this up! We are leaving in ten minutes!"

Espio ran downstairs and grabbed a broom. Charmy slowly followed him. He flew into the kitchen and came back a minute later with a cereal bar.

Ten minutes later we were out the door, hunting the creature. Espio stayed well in the lead. Vector walked behind Ceaira and I and Charmy was just everywhere.

"So Knuckles, you have actually seen the Master Emerald?" Ceaira asked.

I nodded. "I guard that thing day and night. Everything was going great until the Beast showed up. Him and that stupid robot, Backdrop."

"Robot, no one mentioned a robot," Ceaira muttered under her breath.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, Knuckles! It's just I've been living in the forest for all my life and I didn't think robots existed," She said.

Something grabbed my shoulder. I looked over to see Espio gripping me. He pulled my aside. "Knuckles, I understand I'm the last person you want advice from, but I really don't trust her! Listen to me, Please!"

I looked at him with hate in my eyes. "Espio, I've told you, I'm tired of you accusation!"

"Look, I know you don't want to talk to me, and don't want to talk to you, but we've got to ditch her! You didn't hear the conversation we had outside yesterday! You have to believe me! I truly don't trust her. I can't explain why. She said some things out there, and even though Vector's a detective, he didn't catch them." He was staring at me. His eyes really did look as if he was pleading, not just trying to ruin my day.

I pulled away. "I know what you are trying to do! You're angry at me, Espio, I understand that, but can't you leave Ceaira out of our stupid argument? Or are you too self-centered to want to see me happy! Is that it?"

Espio glared at my through narrowed eyes. "Fine Knuckles! Have it your way!" And he went back to being in the lead.

I walked back to Ceaira. She smiled. "What was that about, Knuckles?"

"Nothing," I answered absently. "Espio doesn't trust you."

For a brief moment, I thought I saw fear cloud her eyes, then it was gone, replaced by utter confusion. "Well, I can't see why," she whispered.

I sighed and very carefully patted her on the shoulder. She brighten at my touch. Charmy slammed right into us. "Heh, sorry!" He said and flew off. What was with him? Maybe Espio's been speaking with him. Ceaira shrugged and smiled.

"Get your head out of the clouds, Knuckles! Where would this creature be?" Vector asked.

"We don't have to find it," I answered, suddenly not in a very good mood. "That creature wants me dead. It will find us." My mind wandered back to Tails' room. The blood and fur spread everywhere. Suddenly it was like I could see him being torn apart. My head echoed with what his cries would have sounded like. Then my mind skipping to Sonic, where ever he was taken. I closed my eyes, trying to block out my own head, but it just made the images more vivid.

"Earth to Knux! Wake up!"

I looked up. Vector and Ceaira were staring at me. "Hi," I said. "Ok, I say we just walk on. It will find us sooner or later."

"The sooner the better," Espio muttered. I glared at him. "What?" He yelled.

"Nothing," I growled back.

We walked. . . And walked. . . And, just for sport, walked some more! I was getting tired. Pulling an all-nighter wasn't one of my best ideas. I rubbed my eyes, fighting the urge to lie down and go to sleep. The only one who noticed my fatuige was Ceaira. I happened to look at her the same time she was looking at me, and she had a smile of victory on her face. It was gone as soon as she saw I was looking at her.(But maybe I was just tired.) Espio didn't talk for a while, staying well in the lead. Vector had moved to the spot infront of us. Charmy was the only one with energy. I was the one with the least energy. Looking back today, I remember that Ceaira wasn't at all tired. At that time, that peice of information didn't cross my mind.

We were just about to turn back to the office when we heard the roar. I would never forget the death cry of the Beast. Vector haulted, Espio grabbed for a Ninja Star, Charmy looked around and I was suddenly awake. "Knux! Is that it?" Espio asked.

"Yeah!" I answered, out argument forgotten for the time being.

The Beast hurled its self through the trees. Vector went pale, Charmy flew behind him. "Knuckles! I hope you don't expect us to fight that!" Espio cried.

"I do," I muttered. I looked over at Ceaira. Something flickered in her eyes. It wasn't fear, but. . .Pride? I cocked my head. Pride. There was nothing to be proud about! Maybe she's proud we found it, I thought and went with that idea.

"Knuckles! What's the plan?" Vector yelled, breaking the spell.

"Ok! We have to attack it from all sides!" Everyone nodded. The Beast watched us. It was the same size it had been when I fought it on Angel Island. "Charmy! We need you to attack from the sky! Sting your heart out!"

Charmy looked at Vector, who nodded. "Yes, SIR!" The bee yelled.

"Vector, attack from the back and the right!"

He nodded. "Got it, Knux!"

"Ceaira, Attack from the left side! I'll take to front and underneath!"

Ceaira nodded. "Alright! We'll show this monster who's boss around here!"

"Good!" I turned to Espio. He seemed ready. "Espio! I need you to turn invisible and attack from all sides!"

"Whatever you say, Knucklehead!"

"We don't want anyone to get hurt too bad! Don't take any terribly dangerouse risks!" My back started throbbing, reminding me of the last fight I had with this Beast. My arm was burning as well. "Alright, this monster is smart! Try different combo attacks! All ready!"

"YEAH!" They all said in unison, even Espio, who seemed to have forgotten the grudge.(For now.)

"Alright! ATTACK!"